Everyone, give a warm welcome to romance author Devin MckKee. I'm so happy she's joining me today.
Devin is a member of Maumee Valley RWA in Ohio and her first book, DANGEROUS MAGIC, was released this month with Wild Rose Press. She was also one of my critique partners when we lived in Arizona, and she has graciously agreed to answer some questions here about her new release.
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KS: Devin, you and I first met a few years ago when you were working on a book about a guy named Riley, whom I seem to recall you saying was the guy you’d most like to take home to mom. Now here we are, and Riley is making his debut into the wider world in “Dangerous Magic”. Tell us a little of how that came about, and what is about Riley that connected with you?
KS: Devin, you and I first met a few years ago when you were working on a book about a guy named Riley, whom I seem to recall you saying was the guy you’d most like to take home to mom. Now here we are, and Riley is making his debut into the wider world in “Dangerous Magic”. Tell us a little of how that came about, and what is about Riley that connected with you?
DM: Ah, you remembered that, did you?? Yes, I said that about Riley from the beginning. I loved his casual, laid back manner with that right touch of humor. He’s businessman and cowboy all rolled up into one nice little package. Riley also has that heart of gold who’d do anything for his girl, Laura.
KS: Yummy. :) Tell us what your favorite scene in this book is, and why?
DM: There were a few, but the one that sticks in my mind was the first meeting. Neither Laura nor Riley expected it to ever be anymore than a bodily collision on the street corner. But, as we know, a lot does develop from that one scene, and I, for one, am glad that it does. They are a fun couple. A cute couple and I hated to see them end as characters.
KS: I also recall reading a start of the sequel to Dangerous Magic about Riley’s brother. Is that something which is still in the works? (I’m very much hoping so, because I loved the bit I read!)
DM: Yes, it is. "Dangerous Waters" is being considered by Wild Rose Press. I’ve got to fiddle with a few changes and resubmit back to Wild Rose Press, but my editor is amazingly confident I can work through the changes. She gave me very specific feedback to what needs changing, and although it isn’t a lot, I still need to set it aside, mull it over, and I know I’ll come up with something.
KS: I have no doubt that you will! What else might we expect from you?
DM: I’m about to complete my third book, "A Heart’s Second Chance". I have not submitted it yet as I am working out the last few scenes. This book has some suspense, but I’d say it is more like a LuAnn Rice type book where there are other characters the story revolves around, other points of view than just the hero and heroine.
KS: Congratulations on finishing up another manuscript! What would you say has been the most exciting thing about going from unpublished to published author, and what has been the most challenging?
DM: The most exciting has been that email that said my foot was in the publishing world door. The most challenging are the changes made, some you really hate to get rid of. Still, what I found was that my editor was usually correct. She saw things that I couldn’t see being to close to the characters and story that made things work and flow.
KS: I know what you mean. Now, since I'm no Barbara Walters when it comes to interviews, can you tell us where can readers find out more about you?
DM: I’m no techno geek, so my website isn’t completed as of yet, however, I do have a blog site at http://www.devinmckee.wordpress.com . I seem to be able to manage that and try to update it weekly. Eventually, I’ll have information on what I’m up to, my books, some blurbs about upcoming books, and maybe a question and answer block with other authors. They can also check out other author guest spots I’ve done, and my bio on The Wild Rose Press.
KS: Great! Is there anything else you’d like to say to your readers?
DM: If anyone dreams of being a writer, never give up. That’s my motto. There were times I wanted to, but am glad I didn’t. Find great critique partners and do a lot of networking at writer’s conferences or online. It really does help to get your name out there. Thanks for having me today, Kate.
KS: Yummy. :) Tell us what your favorite scene in this book is, and why?
DM: There were a few, but the one that sticks in my mind was the first meeting. Neither Laura nor Riley expected it to ever be anymore than a bodily collision on the street corner. But, as we know, a lot does develop from that one scene, and I, for one, am glad that it does. They are a fun couple. A cute couple and I hated to see them end as characters.
KS: I also recall reading a start of the sequel to Dangerous Magic about Riley’s brother. Is that something which is still in the works? (I’m very much hoping so, because I loved the bit I read!)
DM: Yes, it is. "Dangerous Waters" is being considered by Wild Rose Press. I’ve got to fiddle with a few changes and resubmit back to Wild Rose Press, but my editor is amazingly confident I can work through the changes. She gave me very specific feedback to what needs changing, and although it isn’t a lot, I still need to set it aside, mull it over, and I know I’ll come up with something.
KS: I have no doubt that you will! What else might we expect from you?
DM: I’m about to complete my third book, "A Heart’s Second Chance". I have not submitted it yet as I am working out the last few scenes. This book has some suspense, but I’d say it is more like a LuAnn Rice type book where there are other characters the story revolves around, other points of view than just the hero and heroine.
KS: Congratulations on finishing up another manuscript! What would you say has been the most exciting thing about going from unpublished to published author, and what has been the most challenging?
DM: The most exciting has been that email that said my foot was in the publishing world door. The most challenging are the changes made, some you really hate to get rid of. Still, what I found was that my editor was usually correct. She saw things that I couldn’t see being to close to the characters and story that made things work and flow.
KS: I know what you mean. Now, since I'm no Barbara Walters when it comes to interviews, can you tell us where can readers find out more about you?
DM: I’m no techno geek, so my website isn’t completed as of yet, however, I do have a blog site at http://www.devinmckee.wordpress.com . I seem to be able to manage that and try to update it weekly. Eventually, I’ll have information on what I’m up to, my books, some blurbs about upcoming books, and maybe a question and answer block with other authors. They can also check out other author guest spots I’ve done, and my bio on The Wild Rose Press.
KS: Great! Is there anything else you’d like to say to your readers?
DM: If anyone dreams of being a writer, never give up. That’s my motto. There were times I wanted to, but am glad I didn’t. Find great critique partners and do a lot of networking at writer’s conferences or online. It really does help to get your name out there. Thanks for having me today, Kate.
KS: Thank you, Devin.
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I remember reading Dangerous Magic years before it was published, and one thing I remember most about Devin's writing is how she breaths such life and personality into her characters. I'm looking forward to seeing more from her. She never gave up on her dream of being published, of holding one of her books in her hands - and recently had the pleasure of seeing it come true at her first book signing at her local library. Congratulations, Devin!
What questions do you have for her?
Hi Kate! Hi Devin! Since I know you both, I'm cheating a little with my question but here goes, anyhow.
ReplyDeleteDevin, What was your first booksigning like? And I want details! :}
Devin, congrats on your release! Riley sounds like a great hero.
ReplyDeleteNice interview! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteSadly, blogger isn't being very kind to Devin right now as she tries to log in and respond to your comments. We'll try to get that resolved soon.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, feel free to ask her questions and we'll get them answered one way or another. :)
Hi Everyone! Just checking to see if I can get in the blogger.
ReplyDeleteOk - looks like Devin is going to have to post anonymously. :) Darn Blogger isn't letting her get in otherwise. I'll have to keep an eye on the comments to make sure some other anonymous poster doesn't try to pose as her.
ReplyDeleteBut at least she's here! :) And on another note, I received an email from Fictionwise with their new, featured selections, and Devin was one of them! Congratulations, D! :)
Aha! I found a way around this thing! Yes, this is Devin and, as Kate said, I'm posting anonymous as the blogger doesn't seem to want to work. I'll keep playing around with it, but for now, I wanted to post letting you know--I'm here!
ReplyDeleteLana, thanks for stopping by and enjoying the interview. It's always fun to answer interview questions!
Edie, yes, Riley is an awesome hero. As Kate and Amber can attest, I fell in love with him from the get go. Laura, the heroine, was a bit more challenging for me. She had a lot of layers to unpeel before I felt like I had the right blend for the hero/heroine combo.
Amber, it's hard to put into words how it felt to be at my first booksigning. Humble, proud, excited and nervous would pretty much sum up the evening. It was 4 hours long and we had a steady stream of people. I had a lot of support from my family and friends and the community. There is something to be said for small towns!
I'll check back in a little later so if you have more questions, bring them on!!
Hi Everyone! Just wanted to thank Kate for having me on her blogsite. It was loads of fun. I also wanted to congratulate Kate on her new release, Managing Maggie. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to be able to have you here, Devin. Thanks for the good wishes and right back at you! :)
ReplyDelete